I stared at Aurora across the table, watching her reaction carefully. "Predatory."
"You know what I mean. The rich playboy who collects girls like trophies."
"That what people are saying?" I kept my voice casual, but I was cataloging this information. The reputation of the original Rome was already working against me.
"Some of them."
"And you?"
"I don't know you well enough to have an opinion yet."
"But you're forming one." I noted how she didn't dismiss the idea outright.
"Everyone forms opinions. That's just how brains work."
She took a long drink of her fancy coffee. Left foam on her upper lip. She wiped it off with her thumb without thinking about it. The casual gesture was strangely captivating - completely unconscious, completely her.
"Can I ask you something now?" I said.
"Fair's fair."
"You and Nolan."
Her shoulders went tight immediately. Interesting. "What about us?"
"You really just friends?"
"Yes." Too quick.
"You sure?"
"Very sure." Even quicker.
